Scale Obsession
According to Harvard Health, for most dieters, preventing the pounds from coming back after working so hard to lose them, is the biggest challenge. On average, people regain two-thirds of the weight that they’ve lost within two years. One way people try to prevent gaining (or regaining) weight is through daily weigh-ins. On one hand, this idea makes logical sense. When the number on the scale starts to increase, you know it’s time to tighten up the diet and/or hit the gym more.
We hear clients say, “I’ve got to catch myself before my weight gets out of control.”
Awareness
For some people, keeping a high level of awareness on small changes in their weight can be motivating… But at what mental and emotional cost? True health isn’t just about the number on the scale. It includes mental and emotional health, too.
One problem is that a daily fluctuation in weight is normal and to be expected due to differences in water retention from one day to the next. People often interpret a one-pound weight gain as fat gain and freak out. The scale doesn’t differentiate the weight of bone, fluid, muscle, and fat.
The number on the scale all too often dictates a person’s mood. So what is a normal variation in weight, can literally ruin someone’s day for no logical reason.
At Vegan Life Coach Academy we talk about “finding your why.”
Next time you get on the scale we challenge you to ask yourself, “Why?”
Your answer is going to come from one of two places:
- Fear. Fear of not being _____ enough. (Fill in the blank, e.g., skinny, pretty, etc.)
- Love. Loving and respecting yourself and your body so much that you make conscious and mindful choices about what you put in your body and how you move your body. (Hint: If you self-sabotage you’re not embodying true self-love.)
In this episode, we explore why your obsession with the scale is causing more harm than good. Why daily weigh-ins are setting you up to stay stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage. Why constantly worrying about your weight is likely a reflection of low self-worth and shame.
What if you could focus on eating and training out of love and respect for yourself and your body? I’ll tell you! You will eat healthy, whole foods, and work out the right amount so that the pounds will take care of themselves.
No scale necessary!
We finish up with a challenge… Ditch your scale for an entire month and binge listen to the Vegan Life Coach Podcast!
Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
Empowering people with the tools they need to bring out their inner bad ass, develop a healthy relationship with food, and build a PLANT-strong body for LIFE! Ella has been a transformational coach for over 15 years. She is featured in the media as an expert on veganism, wellness, and fitness (click on her image above to listen to one of her latest appearances). Ella is a published author and speaker who has conducted workshops across the globe. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work and Eating Disorder Recovery Coach certification to further her coaching skills.
